Aloha to New England - USS Constitution (part 2)

Old Ironsides offers self guided tours ... with one sailor providing tutorials below deck.

This active duty sailor, in period costume, was very animated in sharing his knowledge of this historic ship.

He suggested MASTER AND COMMANDER as an authentic movie of the high seas ...

... rather than PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN.

I thought he would make the perfect cover model for a historical romance!

Do you have a favorite seafaring movie?  My favorite is BATTLESHIP (link).  Comments are open through Saturday, September 27, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, September 28.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City 

From my Hanscom Days, we invited the 

USS Constitution's First Lieutenant to our Dining Out (left).   

I served as his escort (second left).

Aloha to New England - USS Constitution (Part 1)

Hubby and I drove by the house I rented with two other Lieutenants from 1989-1992 - we paid $400 each for this Victorian home.  It was perfect for Halloween Parties ... and walking distance to the T, Boston's subway. 

We took the Orange Line to downtown Boston and walked over to the Charleston Navy Yard, home of the USS Constitution, the oldest ship in the US Navy.   From its website (link),

Following the American Revolution, the United States' Continental Navy was disbanded, leaving the new nation without a credible seapower to defend its interests abroad. Signed into law on March 27, 1794 by President George Washington, the Naval Armament Act called for the construction of six frigates, to be built at shipyards along the eastern seaboard. The 44-gun USS CONSTITUTION, built in Boston, was launched on Oct. 21, 1797.

At the outset of the War of 1812, USS CONSTITUTION had already won all of her engagements in two wars: the Quasi War with France (1798-1801) and the Barbary Wars (1801-1805). During the War of 1812, to the surprise of both the Americans and the British, she defeated four English warships, earning each of her three captains a congressional gold medal. Upon returning to Boston from each victory at sea, the ship and her sailors were honored with parades and public adoration, and her legend grew into the national icon that “Old Ironsides” remains to this day.

 

The USS Constitution remains a fully commissioned US Navy Ship.  From Wikipedia (link),

Constitution's stated mission today is to promote understanding of the Navy's role in war and peace through educational outreach, historic demonstration, and active participation in public events ... her crew of 60 officers and sailors participate in ceremonies, educational programs, and special events while keeping the ship open to visitors year round and providing free tours. The officers and crew are all active-duty US Navy personnel and the assignment is considered special duty in the Navy. 

Old Glory flies proudly on Old Ironsides!

We liked the oriental lion carved into the pulley system.

 That's a big wheel ... 

... and miles of rope!  

Below deck, we found more cannons ...

... and a list of the first lieutenants in the officer mess.   One of hubby's high school friends is on the list.

One more deck down, we found the sailers' swinging hammocks.

Have you visited a historic ship?  One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash.  Comments are open through Saturday, September 27, 10 pm in Baltimore.  I'll post the winner on Sunday, September 28, at SOS Aloha.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City